Arrangement for earthing a DC intermediate link

Abstract

An arrangement for earthing a DC intermediate link connected to a converter on board a track-bound vehicle is configured to be permanently arranged on board the vehicle and comprises two conducting members (23, 24) permanently connected to a pole each of a DC intermediate link and to a first contact member (29, 30) each movably arranged with respect to second contact members (35, 36) permanently connected to a chassis part of the vehicle connected to earth. A handle (34) is connected to the first or second contact members while being electrically insulated with respect thereto to be manually operated for moving the contact members connected thereto between a position of not earthing and a position of earthing the DC intermediate link.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND BACKGROUND ART[0001]The present invention relates to an arrangement for earthing a DC intermediate link connected to a converter on board a track-bound vehicle. Although the present invention is particularly directed to railway vehicles it does also cover other types of vehicles being track-bound, such as buses and trucks.[0002]When maintenance is to be carried out on such converters or other parts of the electric system connected thereto separation contactors are usually first controlled to obtain a zero voltage at the converter, but it is then for safety reason also important to earth the DC intermediate link connected to the converter so that the voltage may not accidentally return during the maintenance work.[0003]Such earthing of a DC intermediate link connected to a converter has so far been carried out by large and heavy equipment, such as grounding rods, carried by people to performing the maintenance. This equipment is not only bothersom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about an arrangement for earthing a DC intermediate link on a vehicle converter. The arrangement is permanently placed on the converter and has two contact members that can be easily and safely reached by a maintenance operator without exposing them to any danger. The arrangement has a handle that can be pulled out or pushed in to open or close the contact members. The handle is designed to lock in the closed position to prevent unintended movement and ensure the arrangement is safe during maintenance work. The method involves opening the front cover of the converter casing and pulling out the handle to connect the DC intermediate link to earthing, which prevents the front cover from closing unintentionally. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a safe and reliable way to earthing a DC intermediate link on a vehicle converter.

Problems solved by technology

This equipment is not only bothersome to carry along and handle, but the safety provided thereby may in some situations not be as high as desired, especially since such equipment laborious to handle may create temptations to not handle the equipment strictly in the way required.

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